David Okonkwo
Architect · LEED AP · Sustainable Design Leader
Award-winning architect specializing in sustainable design and adaptive reuse. Over 14 years of experience leading projects from concept to completion — from net-zero cultural centers to luxury residential towers. I believe architecture should serve both people and planet. Principal at Foster + Partners, licensed in the UK, US, and UAE.
Project Archive
The Green Canopy — Singapore
A 45-story mixed-use tower wrapped in a living vertical garden. Net-zero energy with integrated solar and rainwater harvesting. Winner of the RIBA International Prize 2024.
Harbour Arts Centre — Copenhagen
Adaptive reuse of a 19th-century grain warehouse into a 30,000 sq ft contemporary arts centre. Preserved industrial character while achieving Passive House certification.
Desert Bloom Residences — Dubai
Luxury residential complex inspired by desert flora. Parametric facade provides passive cooling, reducing energy consumption by 60% vs. comparable towers.
Nairobi School of the Arts
Community-funded arts school built with local materials and labor. Designed for natural ventilation and daylighting. Featured in Dezeen's Best Education Buildings 2023.
Professional Timeline
Principal Architect
Foster + Partners · London, UK
- Lead architect on $2B+ portfolio of sustainable commercial and cultural projects
- Directed the firm's net-zero design initiative across 12 active projects
- Won RIBA International Prize 2024 for The Green Canopy
- Mentored 15 architects through the firm's professional development program
Senior Architect
BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) · Copenhagen, Denmark
- Led design of 3 built projects totaling 500,000 sq ft
- Developed parametric facade systems reducing construction costs by 18%
- Collaborated with environmental engineers on passive design strategies
Architect
Perkins&Will · Chicago, IL
- Designed LEED Platinum headquarters for a Fortune 100 tech company
- Won AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award
- Led material research on low-carbon concrete alternatives
Technical Proficiency
Design Software
Specializations
Analysis
Education
M.Arch Architecture
Architectural Association (AA)
2009 — 2011
Design Research Lab. Thesis on parametric environmental design in tropical climates.
B.Arch Architecture
University of Lagos
2004 — 2009
First Class Honours. Winner of the Vice-Chancellor's Prize for Design Excellence.
Certifications
LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C)
USGBC · 2013
ARB Registered Architect (UK)
Architects Registration Board · 2012
Certified Passive House Designer
Passive House Institute · 2017
AIA Licensed Architect (US)
American Institute of Architects · 2014
Awards
RIBA International Prize
Royal Institute of British Architects · 2024
The Green Canopy, Singapore
AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award
AIA Chicago · 2015
Tech campus headquarters
Dezeen Award — Sustainability Project of the Year
Dezeen · 2023
Harbour Arts Centre, Copenhagen
Client Feedback
David combines visionary design with rigorous environmental science. The Green Canopy isn't just a beautiful building — it's proof that sustainability and architectural ambition can coexist.
Lord Norman Foster
Founder, Foster + Partners
Working with David on the Harbour Arts Centre was a masterclass in sensitive adaptive reuse. He listens to buildings the way good writers listen to characters.
Katrine Jensen
Cultural Director, City of Copenhagen
Start a Project
Open to collaborations on architectural visualization, structural design, and spatial planning.
d.okonkwo@example.com
Based in
London, UK